The Evolution of Academic Assistance

Programs

Kent LollisRod Fong

Sue Lunbeck

The Early Years

Back in the early1990’sAAP were optionalWorked alone, sometimes with TA’sHarmless titlesOffice located in out of the way spaceWorked exclusively with students Performed our “magic” in secrecy

Pioneers

Pioneers

Which role did we play?

Big Brains from another world?

How did we work with them?

Pioneers

Who did we interact with?

Experts in learning theoryLearning stylesTeaching methods

• Using various methods• Even in casebook classrooms

Teach by modeling teaching methodsInteractive sessions (AALS)Creating inclusive classrooms

Innovators

1997 AALS Annual Meeting – “Inclusive Teaching Methods Across the Curriculum”

Note sent by an audience member to the AALS Deputy Director

I wanted to tell you what an excellent program was presented by the Academic Support section at the Annual Meeting. I have never seen a better-organized presentation, with the speakers engaging in a “tag-team” pattern that was a masterpiece of choreography. Furthermore, the program had goals and objectives which were shared with the audience. Most importantly, in discussing inclusive teaching methods, the presenters modeled their subject in their presentation.

In helping all of us substantive teachers to be more sensitive to the different learning styles of our audience, and by exposing us to some of those learning styles, this program served an important need.

Innovators

Experts in outcomes & assessmentEstablishing learning outcomesProviding lots of feedbackFormative assessment methodsTesting & test validity

• essays & multiple choice examsUse of personal inventories

• VARK, Myers-Briggs Deconstructing professor’s examsDeconstructing the bar exam

Innovators

Experts with “at risk” studentsRefined the art and science of diagnosis Teaching IRAC skills

• Organization• Analytical & critical thinking

Expert reading Study strategies & techniquesTest taking techniques Counseling students

Innovators

Experts in “non-academic” factorsStress managementStudents with disabilities

• Learning Disabilities & ADHD

Test anxietiesInstilling & maintaining confidenceStigma & backlashStereotype Threat & Implicit BiasStudent isolation (thanks Amy)

Innovators

Experts in related areasTechnologySupervising student teaching assistantsStudent diversityGenerational diversitySelf-regulated learningHumanizing legal education

Innovators

Innovators

So which character are we?

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

Albert Einstein

Innovators